The incident occurred in the 75th minute of the Guinness PRO14 Round 4 fixture at Scotstoun Stadium when referee Nigel Owens deemed the player to have committed an act of foul play against Tim Swinson (No 4).

The referee showed the player a red card under Law 10.4 (a) – Punching or Striking: A player must not strike an opponent with the hand, arm or fist, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee(s).

The player will face a Disciplinary Panel via video conference, the Panel will comprise of Simon Thomas (Chair), Rhian Williams and Richard Cole (all Wales).

]]>http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/26/wycherley-cited/feed/0Pics & Quotes | Cardiff Preparationshttp://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/26/pics-quotes-glasgow-preparations-2/
http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/26/pics-quotes-glasgow-preparations-2/#respondTue, 26 Sep 2017 11:48:51 +0000http://munsterrugby.ie/?p=71149The squad gathered at the High Performance Centre in UL yesterday as preparations stepped up for the challenge of Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park this Saturday at 1.30pm. See our training shots and get the pre-match thoughts of Andrew Conway.

One of the province’s standout performers in the opening-three wins of the season, Andrew Conway, like the rest of the matchday 23, endured a night to forget in the red jersey as Glasgow laid to rest the demons of four straight losses to Munster with a comprehensive 37-10 drubbing of Erasmus charges. In dissecting last weekend’s performance, Conway hopes lessons can be learnt.

“A tough day pretty much sums it up, we reviewed it this morning and it didn’t make for pleasant viewing. We were really poor in a number of different areas, lacked intensity, lacked physicality and lacked accuracy. Play like that against a team like Glasgow and you are going to get a hiding.

“Glasgow were foaming at the mouth after we beat them four-from-four last season. We thought we had prepared mentally enough for that, but obviously we didn’t and we’ll have to take a lot of harsh learnings from that and apply them going forward.”

Having stuck to pretty much the same side across the opening four rounds, this weekend may see a change in combinations at different stages in the game with Rassie Erasmus hinting that Munster’s Lions contingent may make a return this weekend. Yet Conway maintains the bedding-in of returning talent should in no way upset the apple cart.

“I’m sure they are raring to go – when the team are winning you want to be involved and when they are losing you think you can help out and make the necessary impact. Conor, CJ and Pete will be mad to go, as will Keith Earls who has not played this season either.

“Their transition back into the side should be pretty seamless. Me for example, this is my fifth season in Munster and I’m used to playing with all those guys. I know from chasing Conor’s box-kicks for quite a while where he’s looking to go. It’s an easy out to say that players coming back into the mix will affect the performance this weekend. Player rotation is part and parcel of professional sport, playing different guys for different games, keeping guys fresh and hungry – that can only benefit you and it’s what all the best sides do.”

Saturday’s game sees somewhat of a battle within a battle as the team, collectively, chase a win, while players, individually, stake their claim for selection in an increasingly competitive squad.

“We undoubtedly have an element of that this weekend, but to be honest we have that every game. Nobody is guaranteed a spot and every time you go out on the pitch, yes you want to play well for yourself, but more importantly you want to play well for the team – do that and you’re in a good position to be selected for the team.

“Very few played well against Glasgow so anyone who retains their place for Cardiff this weekend know that they have to perform this time around. You can have an off-day once in a while, but that’s where you draw the line.”

As regards Saturday’s challenge in Limerick, Conway and Munster are awaiting a side brimming with confidence.

“They had a good win against us in Cork last year and that was a really tough game from what I remember. We lacked physicality, they worked harder and bullied us around the park. They know that they have come here and beaten us, plus they have just beaten Connacht in Galway and will have no fear of travelling to Thomond Park whatsoever.

“They’ll target nothing short of last year’s result in Cork and having seen how we pitched up last week they’ll be thinking, ‘lets do something similar to Glasgow and be really physical, aggressive, play a bit of ball and see that Munster have’. That’s what they do and they do it really well.

“But for us, we’re excited to have the chance to right the wrongs of last weekend in Glasgow.”

]]>http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/26/pics-quotes-glasgow-preparations-2/feed/0See You For Munster v Cardiffhttp://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/25/see-you-for-munster-v-cardiff/
http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/25/see-you-for-munster-v-cardiff/#respondMon, 25 Sep 2017 13:11:46 +0000http://munsterrugby.ie/?p=71118With an early kick-off time of 1.30pm and with family tickets starting from just €40, bring the whole gang to support Munster this Saturday as they face Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park.

After last weekend’s defeat to Glasgow Warriors in Scotland, Munster will hope to return to winning ways in Limerick and have only lost once in Thomond Park in the last twelve months – against eventual PRO12 champions Scarlets in February.

But Cardiff are a side who carry much confidence into this round-five clash having defeated the Men in Red in Cork last year, while just last week they handed a much-fancied Connacht side a two-point defeat in Galway.

Be there to play your part and cheer on Munster this weekend. A wide range of ticket and hospitality packages are now available to suit all needs and budgets.

]]>http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/25/see-you-for-munster-v-cardiff/feed/0Squad Updatehttp://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/25/squad-update-75/
http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/25/squad-update-75/#respondMon, 25 Sep 2017 11:42:53 +0000http://munsterrugby.ie/?p=71111With the squad looking to bounce back from the weekend’s defeat in Glasgow, the focus now switches to the arrival of Cardiff Blues to Thomond Park this Saturday for a lunchtime kick-off of 1.30pm.

Preparations began at the High Performance Centre in UL this morning with a number of players carrying knocks from Friday night’s action. On his fourth consecutive start the academy’s Sean O’Connor sustained a neck injury 19 minutes in and continues to be managed by the medical team.

Jean Kleyn will meet with a specialist as a neck issue he sustained in the round-four clash requires further investigation.

Both Jack O’Donoghue and Darren Sweetnam failed HIA tests midway through the game and are following return to play protocols.

James Cronin is managing a further knee niggle following his return to action against Ospreys in round-three but is expected to return to action in the near future.

Meanwhile, new signing Mark Flanagan linked up with the squad today. The former Leinster lock joins the province from Saracens on a short-term loan deal.

Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus also hinted that the Lions contingent of Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander could be in line for a return to action this weekend.

Having travelled to Glasgow as the 24th man, JJ Hanrahan made a welcome return to action from a shoulder injury when he lined out for UL Bohemian at the weekend. Centre Sam Arnold (calf) also retuned with Garryowen while hookers Duncan Casey (groin), Mike Sherry (back) and Kevin O’Byrne (groin) continue to amass game time post-injury. The group were among a number of senior and academy representatives to play for their respective clubs at the weekend.

In Division 1A, Sherry was among the try scorers for Garryowen in their 29-17 win over Buccaneers in Dooradoyle. Bill Johnston kicked a conversion and a penalty with older brother David, Arnold and the academy’s Liam Coombes all featuring for the hosts.

The academy’s Gavin Coombes started for Young Munster as they went down 25-5 to Lansdowne on the Aviva Stadium main pitch, while Cork Constitution also tasted defeat. Kevin O’Byrne scored a try for the reigning champions who came up just short in a 10-try thriller, losing 39-35 at Lakelands Park.

In Division 1B Brian Scott travelled with Dolphin to Ballymena where the Cork-men recorded their first win of the new campaign, holding on for a 6-10 win at Eaton Park.

Duncan Casey, try scorer Stephen Fitzgerald, his younger brother Conor and Jack Stafford (both academy) all started for Shannon at Thomond Park where they recorded a fine 18-3 win over Old Belvedere.

Finally, in Forenaughts, JJ Hanrahan started at fly-half as UL Bohemian went down 28-13 to Naas.

Next Home Game

Munster return to home action against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park this Saturday, September 30th, for a lunchtime kick-off of 1.30pm.

Tickets from

Adults €20

Juniors €7

Families €40

Tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, from Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling 061 421103.

️ 🥂 Next up @thomondstadium it’s Cardiff, then European is back with Racing 92

Reflecting on the game, Erasmus feels the squad, particularly his younger charges, will learn a lot from the manner of the defeat.

“We made a decision not to being a few of our major players, but to bring the young boys and see how they react. It is good to see the young boys in a situation like this, you always learn a lot. Glasgow were really good on the night and to score four tries to two is testament to how well they played. Well done to them, we were not in the game.

“The only area where we competed was in the scrum. Apart from that, we were really outplayed on the night.”

Next Home Game

Munster return to home action against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park this Saturday, September 30th, for a lunchtime kick-off of 1.30pm.

Tickets from

Adults €20

Juniors €7

Families €40

Tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, from Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling 061 421103.

️ 🥂 Next up @thomondstadium it’s Cardiff, then European is back with Racing 92

]]>http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/25/highlights-pics-reaction-munster-v-glasgow/feed/0Greencore Academy Updatehttp://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/24/greencore-academy-update-25/
http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/24/greencore-academy-update-25/#respondSun, 24 Sep 2017 16:21:30 +0000http://munsterrugby.ie/?p=70848From graduates to inducting new recruits, and Sevens involvement to the upcoming British and Irish Cup, Elite Player Development Manager, Peter Malone, discusses the latest happenings in our first Greencore Academy Update of the new season.

“It’s very positive for the lads and for the academy also. As coaches we only send guys through that we believe will add to the senior set up and hopefully contribute to Munster winning trophies in the coming seasons. I’m confident that all these guys will prove themselves as really good squad members going forward.”

Oliver and Johnston progress after just two years of the academy programme….

“We always say to players that the academy is a development stage for them to prove that they have the ability to progress, showing it to us firstly and then to the senior coaches.

“Conor played a lot of PRO12 rugby last year and showed that he can handle that environment and the senior sessions. Keeping him in the academy would not be the best for him or Munster Rugby.

“Bill wouldn’t have had the same time because of injury but we always felt he had that potential and has shown in previous seasons an ability to play senior rugby.

“It’s not a case just doing three years, it’s a case developing players until they are ready to be excellent professionals. We felt both those guys were ready to step up, as did Rassie and all the professional coaches.”

World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia…

“For any competition like that, it’s what you take from it is the important thing. Obviously you want to be successful and we weren’t which was very disappointing, and while we had a lot of injuries, we were very unhappy with the first two performances against Italy and Scotland.

“I think in those situations where you are on a tour and things aren’t going well, it does build a bit of character and I think our guys stepped up well when they needed to against Samoa and Georgia. Guys like Jack Stafford, Fineen Wycherley, Calvin Nash and more, when we were under the pump, they produced big performances when we needed them.

“It’s not an easy experience, you’re in a country far away without your home comforts. Lads grow and learn from that and the important thing now is that they put those learnings into practice – about how hard you have to work, how important the small details are in preparation and how when you get a chance you need to be primed to take it.

Academy preseason programme…

“Basically we offered two programmes, one where a lot of our year-2 and year-3 guys trained with the seniors and another where the year-1 and sub-academy lads followed their own programme.

“We let the new recruits know from the very outset what’s required and the necessary sacrifices. A lot of that is about making hard decisions for the first time. For example, a lot of them couldn’t go to music festivals or go out the night of their Leaving Cert results because we were training the next day. But there was no complaints from the lads, they trained really hard on the pitch and in the gym across the summer and have laid an excellent foundation for the season ahead.”

“We are delighted for the lads, all were ready to take the opportunities when they came their way – Sean working particularly hard on his physical development and Liam on his scrummaging.

“Off the bench, Fineen is another who continues to impress the senior coaches, like he did last season, and here’s hoping further chances will come the way of the three lads and more academy players across the season.”

Shane Daly named in the 2017/18 Ireland Men’s 7s squad…

“We have always been open to our players taking part in Sevens to ultimately develop their 15’s game. In the past we sent up guys like Alex Wootton and Dan Goggin and it aided their development.

“We think it will be the same for Shane who excelled with the Ireland U20s in 2016 and all last season with Cork Constitution, even if injury did hamper his involvement with Munster A.

“This presents another opportunity for him to go and challenge himself in high profile competitions, undergo the stresses and strains of travel and a lot of what a professional players would have to deal with.

“Anyone in our academy, their long term goal is to play 15s rugby for Munster and Ireland and we would see no different for Shane, and while his focus will be 7s for the coming season, it’s for the long term goal of him becoming a better professional player for Munster.”

British & Irish Cup title defence…

“It was wonderful to win it, but as we’ll say to the lads this season, that doesn’t mean anything now, it’s a brand new season, we’re starting from scratch, and as is the nature of the competition we could have a completely different squad for the opening game against Ospreys Select.

“The challenge for whoever takes to the field is to step up and show that they are capable of surviving at that level. I mentioned earlier the players who progressed to the senior squad after just two years in the academy – Bill Johnston and Conor Oliver both demonstrated that they were very comfortable playing against big and physical Championship teams. I always say about this competition, you have to match the power and physicality of the Championship sides before you can show your skills and all our academy graduates – Bill, Conor, Brian Scott, Dan Goggin and Stephen Fitzgerald – demonstrated that across last season’s campaign.

“We’ll prepare well and looking at our pool it will make for some interesting games, certainly looking at Nottingham and the way Ian Costello (former Munster Assistant Coach) coaches, they’ll play a bit more rugby than we would normally expect from the Championship teams and that will be an excellent test for us.”

Injury Update

“Sean O’Connor picked up a neck injury in the seniors’ loss to Glasgow in the PRO14 and continues to be assessed by the medical team.

“Craig Casey is currently managing a knee cartilage issue and is looking at six to eight weeks before he returns to action.

“John Foley continues to rehab post-op for a shoulder injury and is looking at another three to four weeks on the sidelines.

“Calvin Nash is another looking at three to four weeks after a sternum injury.

“Jack O’Sullivan picked up a shoulder injury in training that is likely to keep him out for another six to eight weeks.

“Alan Tynan has progressed to running and agility after an injury to the base of his foot but will miss the next three to four weeks.

“A knee niggle saw Jack Power miss the past weekend’s club action, but we’re confident that he’ll return to action in the next couple of weeks.”

]]>http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/24/greencore-academy-update-25/feed/0Flanagan Signs Short Term Dealhttp://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/22/flanagan-signs-short-term-deal/
http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/22/flanagan-signs-short-term-deal/#respondFri, 22 Sep 2017 13:54:43 +0000http://munsterrugby.ie/?p=71058Munster Rugby can today confirm that second row Mark Flanagan will join the province from Saracens on a three-month loan deal.

The former Leinster player spent spells with Mont-de-Marsan in the French PRO D2 and Bedford Blues in the English Championship before joining Saracens last season, making 11 appearances for them in the Aviva Premiership.

The 28-year-old Westmeath native will link up with the squad early next week.

]]>http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/22/flanagan-signs-short-term-deal/feed/0Video | O’Connor Set For Scotstoun Showdownhttp://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/21/video-oconnor-set-for-scotstoun-showdown/
http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/21/video-oconnor-set-for-scotstoun-showdown/#respondThu, 21 Sep 2017 15:05:09 +0000http://munsterrugby.ie/?p=71044Set for his fourth start in four games, it’s been quite the month for academy prop Liam O’Connor. Named again at loosehead, he looks ahead to tomorrow night’s top of the table clash in Conference A of the Guinness PRO14 against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun – ko 7.35pm.

Taking up rugby at the age of 8 with Dolphin RFC, the talented and versatile young sportsman also excelled at GAA, playing initially with Delaneys before moving to St Nicks, where, at just 16-years-old and as their goalkeeper he took part in the Cork Senior Football Championship.

Continuing with rugby while attending Christian Brothers College, Cork, it was his exploits in the Schools game that put him on the radar of provincial talent scouts. Representing Munster U18 Schools, ‘Boomer’, as he’s affectionately known, also lined out for both province and country at U19 and U20 level.

Focusing solely on rugby since joining the Munster sub-academy ranks in the summer of 2014, O’Connor is appreciative of his GAA skillset in the looser elements of the game, and this coupled with solid set-piece play has seen the young prop make solid inroads in the professional game, most notably this season with Rassie Erasmus’ increased focus on offloading and expansive play. It was the 22-year-old’s quick thinking and switch of direction in play that provided the catalyst for Darren Sweetnam’s try in Munster’s hard fought win over Ospreys last weekend.

Before flying out to Glasgow today, we caught up with the year-3 academy talent to get his pre-match thoughts.

Next Home Game

Munster return to home action against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on Saturday September 30th for a lunchtime kick-off, 1.30pm.

Tickets from

Adults €20

Juniors €7

Families €40

Tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, from Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling 061 421103.

️ 🥂 Next up @thomondstadium it’s Cardiff, then European is back with Racing 92

Tickets are now available for 10 Year Ticketholders to purchase for this game until Monday 25th September at 12 noon.

Each 10 Year ticket account may purchase up to 6 tickets each. A range of ticket prices are available – €60, €50, €40, €35, €30, €25, €20 and €14. A standard €1.50 transaction fee per ticket will apply.

Tickets are in a number of locations in the stadium, we cannot provide exact locations. However, tickets are currently on public sale on the Castres website which may provide a good indication of location of various ticket prices – Click Here For Stadium Map.

Tickets will remain available to purchase until 12 noon on Monday next unless previously sold out.

]]>http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/21/castres-olympique-ticket-sale/feed/0Anthony Foley Honoured With Richard Harris Patrons’ Awardhttp://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/21/anthony-foley-honoured-with-richard-harris-patrons-award/
http://munsterrugby.ie/2017/09/21/anthony-foley-honoured-with-richard-harris-patrons-award/#respondThu, 21 Sep 2017 08:31:16 +0000http://munsterrugby.ie/?p=71022Brendan and Shelia Foley, parents of the late Anthony Foley, were in attendance at the annual Munster Rugby London Dinner last night as the province’s former captain and coach was honoured with the Richard Harris Patrons’ Award.

The event took place at the Grosvenor Hotel on Hyde Park with the award recognising an individual who, through his or her life or work, encapsulated Munster’s values of Passion, Integrity, Ambition, Excellence and Community.

Anthony Foley was the embodiment of Munster Rugby. The son of former Munster and Ireland player Brendan, the day after his fifth birthday a young Anthony witnessed his father achieve the impossible with the men of Munster in defeating the mighty All Blacks in Thomond Park in 1978.

It was that same sense of belief, passion and never-say-die attitude that Axel – as he was known to family, friends and fans – carried with him throughout his own rugby career. And what a trailblazing career it truly was, one that was deeply rooted in the club game.

Playing all 48 games in Shannon’s famous four in row from 1995 to 1998, he made over 200 appearances for Munster and won 62 caps in the green of Ireland.

Perhaps what fans will remember most fondly was the seismic part Foley played in Munster’s rollercoaster European journey. There for every single twist and turn of their path to the Holy Grail, heart breaking defeats in the European finals of 2000 and 2002, and subsequent semi and quarter final exits, only served to reaffirm his belief that he was part of something special and Munster’s day would come.

May 20th 2006, his ambitions were realised and, as someone who had given his all, and some, to the cause, it was fitting that Foley was the one who lifted the trophy when Munster won their first European Cup in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

It’s testament to the man and all he achieved that Munster Rugby presented the Richard Harris Patrons’ Award to Anthony Foley posthumously last night.

The award was first presented in 2014 and named in honour of Richard Harris who himself was a Munster Rugby patron in its truest sense. Everywhere he went he espoused his love of Munster and what it meant to him. Having represented the province both at Schools and U20s level, such was his pride in the jersey, he treasured his U20s jersey and famously wore it to the Heineken Cup Final in 2002.

Sculptor Jarlath Daly created a unique piece which was originally presented to the Harris family, with a replica being presented each year thereafter at the annual Munster Rugby London Dinner.